Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim has only been with the team for about a week, but he’s already making an immediate impact. He signed a three-year contract worth $12.5 million before the 2025 season.
Early on, many sportsbooks didn’t even have odds listed for him to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Now, not only is he on the board—he’s climbing. Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts praised Kim for what he has shown in the early stages of his MLB career.
Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder Mookie Betts Talks About Hyeseong Kim
During spring training, Betts talked about working with Kim. The 26-year-old made an impression in camp but opened the season in Triple-A before being called up to the majors. Betts said of Kim, “I’m super excited for him. Obviously he’s a really good player, but I just really like him as a person. I think he’s just an awesome dude. His smile is infectious. He loves being here and loves being around the guys. I’m just happy for his success.”
MOOKIE BETTS on HYESEONG KIM: I’m super excited for him. Obviously he’s a really good player, but I just really like him as a person. I think he’s just an awesome dude. His smile is infectious. He loves being here and loves being around the guys. I’m just happy for his success. pic.twitter.com/mfNZL8X2G8
— Hyeseong Kim Muse 김혜성 (@HyeseongKimMuse) May 9, 2025
Kim has played in six games so far for the Dodgers in the 2025 season. He’s batting .313 with two RBIs, two stolen bases, and no home runs. His on-base percentage is also .313. With this early production, sportsbooks now list him among the candidates to win NL Rookie of the Year.
Kim’s teammate, Roki Sasaki, is the current favorite with Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews to win. Both are listed at +325. Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez follows at +375. Things are moving fast for Kim, and while it would be a surprise if he won the award, his name is now in the mix. He’s currently listed at +1600.
Before his call-up, Kim played in 28 games with Oklahoma City. He hit .252 with five home runs, 19 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and a .328 on-base percentage.
He was called up in part because second baseman Tommy Edman was placed on the 10-day injured list with an ankle injury. Edman had been having a strong season before the setback, hitting .252 with eight home runs, 24 RBIs, two stolen bases, and one caught stealing through 30 games. His OBP at the time of the injury was .295.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Edman is not expected to return during the weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kim will continue to start at second base until Edman comes back, and it remains to be seen whether Kim stays on the big-league roster or is sent back to Triple-A once Edman returns.